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Domestic Violence Advocacy
If you’re experiencing harm or control from a current of former intimate partner, you are not alone. Safehope offers a safe, confidential space to help you sort through what you’re experiencing, understand your options and find support for yourself and your family. Whether you’re unsure, trying to stay safe, planning next steps, or just need someone to listen, help is here.
Learn the Facts
What is Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to control a partner or former partner. It takes many forms including emotional, verbal, sexual and physical abuse, as well as isolation, stalking and financial abuse. Domestic violence happens to people of every gender, age, race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and ability.
Recognizing Abuse
Forms Of Domestic Violence
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is a powerful way that an abusive person gets and keeps their partner under control and it instills an environment of constant fear. While physical abuse is the most commonly known form, it may or may not be a part of an abusive relationship. If physical abuse is present early in the relationship, it commonly gets worse over time. Sometimes physical abuse begins to occur when the victim is pregnant or when the victim is considering leaving the relationship.
Physical violence may include:
Hitting, punching, kicking, slapping, shoving, spitting
Strangling (choking), smothering, tying down, restraining
Using or threatening to use weapons
Leaving victim in a dangerous place
Throwing things or destroying property
Hurting or killing pets
Emotional & Psycological Abuse
Emotional and psychological abuse occurs in some form in all abusive relationships. It is a very effective tactic used by abusive partners to obtain power and control. Emotional abuse makes the victim feel like they are responsible for the abuse, crazy, worthless and hopeless.
Emotional abuse can include:
Name calling, constant criticizing, insulting, belittling
False accusations, victim blaming, “crazy making”
Isolating the victim from family and friends
Extreme jealousy and possessiveness, stalking
Threatening to harm the victim or cause self-harm
Threats to injure pets or animals
Sexual Abuse
Some form of sexual abuse is common in all abusive relationships, but it is often the least discussed. It can be subtle or overt. The impact on the victim is commonly feelings of shame and humiliation.
Sexual violence may include:
Unwanted touching or fondling
Forced sexual contact, rape
Forced into unwanted or degrading sex acts
Threatening to have sex with someone else
Forcing sex with other partners
Violence or name calling during sex
Denying access to contraception or healthcare
Financial Abuse
This form of abuse is one of the least commonly known, but actually one of the most powerful tactics to entrap a victim in a relationship. It is so powerful that many victims describe it as the main reason that they stayed in an abusive relationship or went back to one.
Financial abuse can include:
Giving the victim an allowance
Not letting the victim have their own money
Hiding family assets
Running up debts, ruining the victim’s credit
Interfering with the victim’s employment
Your Safety Matters
Domestic Violence Safety
Everyone deserves to be safe from domestic violence. If you are experiencing domestic violence, planning for your safety is essential. We understand that you are the expert of your own life and situation, so what feels safe to you is what’s most important. Safehope Advocates can help you develop a comprehensive safety plan whether you are living with abuse, planning to leave an abusive relationship, or following an abusive relationship. Safety planning assistance is just a phone call away.
